Ambulance Service receives Gold Award for Supporting the Armed Forces

The Ministry of Defence has announced that the East of England Ambulance Service Trust (EEAST) has gained the Employer Recognition Scheme (ERS) Gold Award for showing outstanding support for its Armed Forces staff.

The service is one of 50 winners this year to receive this prestigious award, given to organisations who have signed the Armed Forces Covenant and have demonstrated outstanding support for those who serve and have served in the Armed Forces. It is the third ambulance trust to receive this award, and last year only 10 NHS Trusts were given the award.

Now in its fifth year, the MOD’s Employer Recognition Scheme Gold Awards represents their highest badge of honour available to those that employ and support those who serve, veterans, and their families.

Terry Hicks, Armed Forces Champion for EEAST said: “To be one of so few Trusts to hold this award is a great honour. It is proof we excel at valuing this group of staff. Our 200 military veterans have access to specific help and support when they come into EEAST, and we are alert to their needs, and those of their families.

“Those who are reservists are given the time to train and serve for their country, and, when they return, they continue to care for our patients. We recognise that these dedicated men and women give up their time to train and serve in the Armed Forces along with combining this with a civilian life and career.”

“For example, we have a specific programme for Trauma Risk Management (TRiM) and access to specialist support for our military veterans”

The Minister for Defence People and Veterans Tobias Ellwood said: “The breadth and diversity of this year’s winners shows how business support for the Armed Forces continues to flourish. Their commitment is a testament to the fantastic contribution our serving personnel, veterans and their families can make to any organisation.

“We all have a role to play in ensuring that the Armed Forces community is not disadvantaged by service, and each of these employers is a setting an example as meaningful advocates for those protecting the nation.”